Which respiratory pigment found in human erythrocytes binds reversibly to oxygen for systemic transport?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hemoglobin is an iron-bearing conjugated protein present in vertebrate erythrocytes that binds reversibly with oxygen molecules to facilitate efficient systemic circulation. Other pigments like hemocyanin utilize copper and are found in arthropods and molluscs, whereas chlorophyll is the photosynthetic pigment in plants. Each hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four oxygen molecules through its four heme groups.